Do you know what’s in your wallet? If you answered no, then you are at risk for having your identity stolen. In fact, if you are not aware of the ways your identity can be stolen, then you are not aware of the ways in which you can protect yourself from identity theft. If this is the case, then it is very likely that you will be one of the 10 million individuals who will have their identity stolen this year. With identity theft, what you don’t know can hurt you. The best defense against becoming a victim of identity theft is by knowing the following ways in which your identity can be stolen.
One way your identity can be stolen is through a lost or stolen wallet. Once thieves have your personal information from a driver’s license, social security card or other identifying information from your wallet, they can open credit card and utility accounts in your name. They can also charge large amounts of merchandise on your credit cards. Thieves may also use your identity when dealing with the government to obtain public services, get a driver’s license or official ID card issued in your name, but with their picture, or even give out your personal information when arrested. Some thieves have even been known to use someone else’s identity when applying for jobs in order to use their background to pass criminal screenings.
The second way your identity can be stolen is by becoming too comfortable with your day to day happenings. When you become routine in your schedule, you tend to let your guard down and fail to protect your personal information, especially your financial information that is on paper. Identity theft crimes are more likely to be perpetrated by someone you know or with whom you feel comfortable. For example, if you employ someone who works within your home, you will need to be sure that your personal papers are in a secure location within your home. Also, be aware of those cashiers who process your credit cards for you. Untrustworthy clerks can duplicate your credit card receipt or use a special device to capture your data.
Another way thieves can steal your identity is by scouring dumpsters or trash cans in order to get receipts from financial institutions or pre-approved credit card applications. Thieves use this information to open credit card accounts in your name. They have even been known to create counterfeit checks with your bank name and account information on them. It is extremely important to not only monitor your incoming papers but to monitor your outgoing papers and shred all financial documents before trashing them.
A fourth way thieves steal your identity is through telemarketing phishing scams. Callers may pretend to be an employee of a popular company, such as Wal-mart, and indicate that there was a problem with your payment. Most people fall for this type of scam hook, line and sinker. It is also important to be careful about what you tell others about yourself when on social websites or employment websites. Identity thieves are great at using any tidbits of personal information to take over someone’s identity.
The fifth way thieves try to steal your identity is by watching your transactions at ATM machines. You should always be aware of your surroundings when standing at automated teller machines. An experienced thief can see pin number you type in. They may then follow you, wait for a chance to get your ATM receipt, and then have access to your bank account.
The sixth way to have your identity stolen is to fail to put protective measures in place to keep thieves from gaining access to your personal information. It doesn’t matter whether you purchase identity theft protection services or put your own steps in place to protect your identity, the fact is, if you are not protected, you will have your identity stolen.
Knowing a thief’s offense is by far the best defense in protecting your identity. Knowing how your identity can be stolen is the first step to guard against one of the 10 million individuals who will have their identity stolen this year. It is important to become aware of how thieves can access your personal information and so you can put protective measures in place.